Instant Bakelite Button Collection

So, after Pete & Maddie had seen about as many sheep and bits of yarn and fiber as they could handle, we headed out to see what Allegan, MI had to offer in the way of antique shops.  The first shop we entered left me happy as a clam as there was a booth filled with all kinds of buttons.  I ended up spending much more than I thought I would on buttons that day, but getting what I think was a *very* good deal on an instant bakelite button collection.  I even got an added bonus of three little bags of my favorites -- colorful floral plastics. 

There's something about the bakelite that is hard to resist -- I think it's the patina.  And my absolute favorite of the bunch?  This one:

And another picture, to try and give you a better idea of the color:

So now I fancy myself a button collector.  Pete is happy -- buttons are after all, quite small!  I've got these books on order at the library:

• Book of Buttons
• Buttons: The Collector's Guide
• Antique & Collectible Buttons

Do any button collectors out there know of any other button books I should read?  Or any button collecting websites?

Comments

[becca]

Nice buttons! I'm a big collector also. I always ask at yard sales for old buttons. I have found huge tins of them. My maiden name was hungarian for "buttons" he he, guess I was destined to collect them.

[Leslie]

Great buttons! How does a person determine whether buttons are bakelite vs plastic?

[Melissa]

I love buttons too, especially bakelite, and I think you've nailed the reason - it's the patina. Rich and muted. Soothing somehow. You totally lucked out! I'm jealous.

*wondering where Allegan is and when I can get there*

[bekka]

wow, amazing button find. lucky you. i like that leafy button that is your favorite, too. sorry to say i have no suggestions on button resources, but look forward to seeing what you discover.

[Denise]

Wonderful buttons! The colors of bakelite are so warm. I only have a few as I collect mostly glass buttons but I do like to see them.

[Scout]

You should SEE the buttons we have at Village Wools. Amazing.

[Suzanne]

Oh my gosh, what a great find! They are beautiful.

[Lynne]

Thou shalt not covet, thou shalt not covet, thou shalt not covet..... But I am!

[kelly]

those are lovely... seems as if vintage sample cards are always so much fun!

[kathy]

I acquired my first set of bakelite buttons from an ebay auction several months ago. I love the way the shine and the heft they seem to have. Looks like you got a fabulous set! Have fun.

[mrspilkington]

wow, those are great! there's a shop near me that has a big tub of buttons, and you buy them for $1 a cup -- my daughter and i have a ball there. you probably already know this, but the latest craftypod podcast is all about buttons.